Blood, Platelet Donation Appointments Critically Needed Amid Red Cross Blood Crisis
While there has been a significant and encouraging response to the dire need for blood across the nation, the American Red Cross needs more people to give in the weeks ahead to recover from its worst blood shortage in more than a decade.
Those interested in helping are urged to schedule the earliest-available blood or platelet donation appointment in their area to help ensure accident victims rushed to the emergency room, those being treated for cancer and others who count on blood product transfusions can receive lifesaving care without delay.
In Russell County, there is a blood drive on Thursday, January 27 at the Gorham Senior Center in Gorham from 11 AM to 5 PM. There is another blood drive on Wednesday, February 23 at Fossil Creek Hotel and Suites in Russell from Noon to 6 PM.
Since the Red Cross issued its first-ever blood crisis alert, a surge in COVID-19 infections has further complicated efforts to rebuild the blood supply. In the Kansas and Oklahoma region, more than 2,100 scheduled donations went uncollected so far this month as blood drives were changed or canceled because of COVID cases or required quarantines. In addition, donors with COVID must wait 14 days after their symptoms resolve or, if they are asymptomatic, after a positive test before giving blood again.
As February approaches and the effects from the spread of the omicron variant persist and winter weather continues to be a potential problem, people are urged to make an appointment now to give blood or platelets in the weeks ahead by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.
Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.
(Information courtesy American Red Cross.)